This is an adaptation from a recipe in ‘130 New Winemaking Recipes’ from C.J.J. Berry.
This is a great wine to make this time of year (late Autumn) as there is a glut of apples available. I grow my own apples and if I don’t have enough, there is a lot on the ground which no one picks up which can also be used (no trespassing though!).
In fact, a mixture of apple varieties is the best.
Saturday 05th October, 2013 – Day One (1)
I have just started this today ( by CouponDropDown" id="_GPLITA_0" style="text-decoration: underline;" href="http://soswinemaking.com/#">steps 1 through to 3) and will continue with steps 4 to 6 next Saturday, 12.
Ingredients
05-10kg (12-24lb) Mixed apples
1.3kg (3lb) Sugar
1 Gallon Water
Yeast and Nutrient
Pectic enzyme (if not using a juicer)
Method
1 Extract the juice from the apples using a juicer and add both the juice and pulp into a 5 gallon container. Alternatively, chop/crush the apples into small pieces and add the pectic enzyme.
2 Add the water and 2 levels teaspoons of granulated yeast and nutrient.
3 Leave for a week, in a fairly warm place, closely covered, stirring quickly twice a day for a week.
4 Strain the juice from the pulp. Press the pulp to get as much of the liquor out as possible.
5 Measure, and for every gallon add 2.5kg (3lb) of sugar and mix well.
6 Add a lid with airlock and leave in a warm place.
7 Rack when it has cleared.
8 The wine will probably be ready in 6 months.
Saturday 12th October, 2013 – Day Eight (8)
I have now strained the juice from the pulp – what a lovely smell!
The liquor is now just over 2 gallons so I have added 6lb of sugar and placed in a warm place with a proper fitting lid and airlock.
Sunday 13th October, 2013 – Day Nine (9)
Bubbling away nicely. Temperature keeping steady at 24c.
Comments
Not sure what the strength will be yet.
I have just filtered the apple wine and bottled it.
Tastes really nice and has a good aroma. Will be keeping it for as long as I can (preferably at least 6 months) - will improve with age.
The strength is 12% - I got 10 bottles out of this recipe - really enjoyed doing it too!